At the International Coaching Group, we’ve spent years witnessing the life-changing and business-transforming power of coaching firsthand, whether it’s helping a new manager lead with confidence, guiding an executive through high-stakes decisions, or making conversations between colleagues and teams more effective and meaningful.
But while we’ve always believed in coaching’s power, part of the world is now catching up, and the data proves what we’ve known all along: Coaching isn’t just valuable, it delivers a measurable return on investment (ROI).
The Real ROI of Coaching, Backed by Data
Let’s start with the numbers. One of the most referenced studies in our field, by MetrixGlobal, found that a Fortune 500 company saw a 788% ROI from executive coaching. That’s not a typo, nearly eight times the investment, thanks to higher productivity and reduced turnover.
Meanwhile, the International Coaching Federation (ICF) reported that:
- 86% of companies say they recovered their coaching investment.
- The median ROI was 7× (or 700%).
- Almost 1 in 5 organizations saw a return of 50× or more.
Even the more conservative studies, like one published in The Manchester Review, show an average return of 5.7× the cost of coaching.
At ICG, we don’t just celebrate these results, we’ve helped create them, over and over again.
What’s Driving That Return?
When companies invest in coaching, here’s what tends to happen:
- Better Performance: Coaching helps people focus on what really matters. Teams become more productive, decisions are made faster, and goals are reached more consistently. One study even reported a 53% jump in productivity thanks to coaching (OptimalMind, 2023).
- Stronger Retention: Coaching gives people a reason to stay. When employees feel seen, supported, and challenged, they’re more likely to grow with the company instead of leaving it. That alone saves companies thousands, sometimes millions.
- Real Business Growth: Coaching isn’t just about feelings; it impacts the bottom line. Sales teams, for example, often perform 8% better with regular coaching. That’s real money in the bank, and just one example of how coaching leads to concrete results.
Leaders Grow. Cultures Change.
Beyond the numbers, there’s a deeper shift that happens with coaching, especially when it’s built into the culture.
When people are coached regularly, they become:
- More self-aware
- Better at communication
- More confident under pressure
- Stronger at building and supporting teams
In fact, ICF found that 82% of leaders improved their leadership skills after coaching. These aren’t small changes. They ripple out into entire departments, divisions, and organizations.
“At ICG, we’ve seen these transformations firsthand. Leaders who once felt overwhelmed now lead with purpose. Teams that struggled with trust now collaborate with ease. Cultures become more resilient, inclusive, and human.”
A Coaching Culture Is a Competitive Advantage
More and more companies are realizing that coaching doesn’t belong on the sidelines. It should be woven into the fabric of the business.
Organizations that do this, those with a true coaching culture, are:
- More likely to exceed revenue targets
- Better at retaining top talent
- Quicker to adapt in uncertain times
And it’s not just the corporate world that’s noticing. Business schools like Oxford Saïd and HEC Paris are now making coaching a core part of their leadership programs.
Coaching is no longer a perk; it’s a strategy.
Measuring What Matters
At ICG, we help our clients measure coaching outcomes with both heart and rigor. That means combining:
- Pre- and post-coaching assessments
- Feedback from teams and direct reports
- KPI metrics like sales, retention, or productivity
- Personal growth metrics like confidence, presence, and resilience
Because the real magic of coaching lies in what you see and feel, not just what you can count. And yet, when it’s measured, the numbers speak volumes.
We’ve Always Believed in Coaching. Now the World Does Too.
If you're leading a company, building a team, or shaping a culture, coaching isn’t something to consider “someday.” The best time to invest in people is now.
At ICG, we’ve coached thousands of leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs around the world. We’ve seen coaching drive breakthroughs, not just in business performance, but in how people lead, relate, and show up.
We’re not surprised by the ROI. We’ve been living it for years.
Now, the world is simply catching up.
Ready to Bring Coaching into Your Leadership Culture?
At ICG, we know that coaching doesn’t just create better conversations, it builds stronger companies. If you're ready to take the next step and bring a coach-like approach into your organization, we invite you to explore our Coach Approach to Leadership™ program.
This practical, research-based training is designed specifically for leaders and managers who want to:
- Improve team communication
- Build trust and accountability
- Lead with empathy and clarity
- Drive real, measurable results
Whether you're starting small or embedding coaching across your entire culture, this program gives your people the tools they need to lead more effectively, right away.
Because when leaders coach, everyone grows.
